Field Museum | Chicago, Ill.

Exhibit examines the ancestry and evolution of numerous
species, ranging from huge to tiny, from speedy to sloth-like, and
displays animals with oversized claws, fangs, snouts, and
horns.Highlights include taxidermy specimens,an entire skeleton of a giant hoofed plant-eater,a life-size model of the largest land mammal that ever
lived,one of the oldest fossilized bats ever found,
and an impressive diorama featuring the swamps and forests of an
island in the Arctic. Runs May 26, 2012-Jan. 6, 2013.

Driehaus Museum | Chicago, Ill.

The mansion served as the Nickerson's winter residence
during the late 19
thcentury, and the family spent every holiday season
in Chicago lavishly entertaining acquaintances, friends, and family
from near and far. During this tour, participants are transported
back to the winter months of 1899, where they discover through a
servant's eyes how the Nickersons celebrated the holidays. As
applicants to a position in domestic service, participants learn
the best methods for preparing plum pudding, how to prevent the new
electrical lights on the Christmas tree from catching it on fire,
and more.

When: Tours begin every Friday and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m.Cost: $15, $8 kids 12 and under

Stage 773 | Chicago, Ill.

See a variety of styles ranging from hip-hop, ballet, tap and
jazz to contemporary and more. The festival is a cornerstone of the
city's fall dance season and showcases more than 300 individual
dynamic acts from more than 2,500 talented dancers and
choreographers from some of Chicago's best dance companies. Check
website for schedule. Oct. 20-Dec. 1.